Tonsils are two small organs made of lymphatic tissues on the side of the throat behind the tongue. They work as defensive mechanisms for your body to fight against infections. The condition where the tonsils themselves catch an infection is called tonsillitis.
They are quite common between children and teenagers. The most common symptoms include sore throat, swollen tonsils, and fever.
The surgical procedure for the removal of tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. In some cases, the tonsils go away through antibiotics, but the long-term solution is tonsillectomy, especially if your tonsils are recurrent.
Why is Surgery Necessary?
A singular case of tonsillitis does not warrant surgery. However, tonsil removal surgery is necessary for people who have recurrent tonsillitis or strep throat. If you have had more than five cases, it is time to discuss a more long-term solution for it with your physician.
Surgery sounds scary. You are normal for fearing it. But there are many advantages of opting for surgery, which would help you in the long run.
a. Disadvantages of long-term antibiotic use
We take antibiotics very lightly. Long-term use of antibiotics can result in future problems. Antibiotics can mess up your gut health severely. This can cause hair fall, skin issues, and an overall health decline.
If you are constantly getting sick with tonsillitis or strep throat and taking antibiotics regularly, your overall health will suffer tremendously. Surgery is scary, yes, but it is a solution that your future self will thank you for. Tonsillectomy can save your overall health.
b. Other Health Benefits
Tonsillectomy is not only a cure for tonsillitis and strep throat but can also treat other medical conditions such as
- Bleeding of the tonsils
- Cancer of the tonsils
- Sleep apnea
- Loud and frequent snoring
Aftercare of Tonsillectomy
Surgery is painful, there is no denying or sugar-coating that. However, aftercare can help you relieve some of the pain and discomfort.
1. Rest
The first and foremost step of any aftercare is rest. Take off your shoes, get cozy in your bed, and rest as much as possible. Do not rush your recovery. Your body has worked tremendously hard and deserves all the rest it can get.
2. Pain Relief
You can take some medication for pain relief; this will also help you with your sleep and overall discomfort after the surgery. Make sure to be in contact with your doctor and take medication as prescribed.
3. Nutrition
Stay hydrated and drink water. You must avoid spicy, crunchy, or solid food for a few days after your surgery as this can cause irritability. However, you can eat soft foods like pudding, porridge, chicken stock, yogurt, etc. In early recovery days, the most ideal food to take is clear broth. It is healthy and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
These foods will also help your gut create healthy bacteria which will help you recover from all that antibiotics use.
Enjoy Your Life
Most patients recover and go back to school or work in almost two weeks. Many people who have undergone tonsillectomy report to have fewer throat infections in the future.
Health is a major blessing and unfortunately, we only realize its importance when we are sick. Make the best of your health and take care of yourself. Life is not just about survival, live it!
